Accidents happen in a city that never sleeps. One moment you’re walking across a busy Manhattan crosswalk, working on a construction site in Brooklyn, or driving along the FDR Drive—and the next, your life changes in an instant. The chaos of sirens, medical attention, and shock often overshadows one critical factor: protecting your legal rights.
At Keith D. Silverstein & Associates, P.C., we’ve spent decades helping New Yorkers navigate the complex legal system after serious accidents. Our experience is unique: we know how insurance companies and defendants think, because we used to defend them. Today, that insight helps us build stronger cases for injury victims like you.
This guide is designed to help you understand what to do immediately after an accident in New York City, what rights you have, and how to safeguard your future.
Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety & Medical Care
Your health comes first. After any accident—whether it’s a car crash, construction site injury, or slip-and-fall—call 911 if needed. Even if injuries seem minor, visit a doctor. Some conditions, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not be obvious at first.
Pro tip: Medical records serve as crucial evidence later. Skipping treatment could hurt both your recovery and your case.
Step 2: Report the Accident
- Car Accidents: File a police report. In NYC, this creates an official record that insurance companies and courts rely on.
- Construction Accidents: Report the incident to your employer or site supervisor immediately. OSHA regulations and New York labor laws protect workers.
- Slip & Fall Accidents: Notify the property owner or store manager. Ask for an incident report, and get a copy if possible.
Step 3: Document Everything
Evidence disappears quickly in New York City. Streets are cleaned, construction sites change daily, and security camera footage is often erased within days.
- Take photos and videos of the scene, your injuries, and anything that caused the accident (like broken steps, scaffolding, or debris).
- Gather witness names and contact information.
- Keep receipts, medical bills, and any related expenses.
Step 4: Understand Your Rights Under New York Law
New York has specific laws protecting accident victims:
- Car Accidents: New York is a no-fault state. Your own insurance covers initial medical bills, but serious injuries may allow you to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver.
- Construction Accidents: New York Labor Laws 240 and 241 (often called the “Scaffold Law”) provide powerful protections for injured construction workers.
- Premises Liability: Property owners must keep their buildings safe. If they fail, they can be held liable for injuries.
Knowing which laws apply can mean the difference between a denied claim and full compensation.
Step 5: Avoid Common Mistakes
- Don’t give recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal advice.
- Don’t post about your accident on social media—insurance companies may use your posts against you.
- Don’t wait too long. New York has strict deadlines (statutes of limitations) for filing claims.
Why Experience on “Both Sides” Matters
Keith D. Silverstein isn’t your typical personal injury attorney. Early in his career, he defended corporations and insurance companies in accident cases. That insider knowledge—how insurers evaluate claims, the tactics they use to minimize payouts, and what they fear in court—is now used to fight for injured New Yorkers.
It’s like having the playbook of the other team.
Case Spotlight: From Defense to Justice
One of our clients, a construction worker injured in a scaffold fall, came to us after being denied fair compensation. Because we understood the defense’s strategy, we dismantled their arguments and secured a settlement that covered medical care, lost wages, and future needs.
This is the difference that experience makes.
What You May Be Entitled To
Depending on your accident, compensation can include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Wrongful death damages for families who lost a loved one
Choosing the Right NYC Personal Injury Attorney
With countless law firms in New York City, why choose Keith D. Silverstein & Associates, P.C.?
- Insider Defense Knowledge: We know insurance tactics inside out.
- Personalized Approach: Every case is unique; we tailor strategies to your situation.
- Proven Results: From settlements to jury verdicts, we’ve recovered millions for clients.
- Relentless Advocacy: We don’t stop until you get the justice you deserve.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Future Today
Accidents can leave lasting scars—physically, emotionally, and financially. But with the right guidance, you can take back control. The steps you take in the hours and days after an accident can make or break your case.
At Keith D. Silverstein & Associates, P.C., we are committed to protecting New Yorkers when they need it most. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, construction site incident, or slip-and-fall in New York City, don’t wait.
Call us today for a free consultation. Let our experience on both sides of the courtroom work for you.
About Keith D. Silverstein & Associates, P.C.
Founded in New York City, Keith D. Silverstein & Associates, P.C. is a dedicated personal injury law firm helping clients across all five boroughs. With decades of combined experience and a track record of success, our team combines compassion with fierce advocacy. We stand by accident victims every step of the way.
Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
